Cambridge-bound Monty has his sights set on Space

Cambridge-bound Monty has his sights set on Space

AN ASPIRING astronaut has his sights firmly set on the stars after securing stellar grades at A-level.

Ripon Grammar School student Monty Bleiker, 18, from Kirkilington, Bedale, who has ambitions to become a quantum physicist and one day travel into Space, achieved four A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics.

He will now study natural sciences at the University of Cambridge, just the first step in an extraordinary set of goals which could eventually take him far beyond Earth.

Reflecting on his results, Monty said he felt a mixture of overwhelming excitement and relief that the hard work had paid off.

“This was always the final step in my two-year journey to get into Cambridge, and I know that I put every bit of effort I had to give myself the best possible chance,” he said.

“In a world where my dream didn’t work out, I’d still feel content in that I did as well as I could.

“But now, with the knowledge of what I was able to achieve, all I can think of is the next step, and the gratitude I feel to all of those who helped me get to where I am.”

Monty hopes to complete a degree, master’s and PhD before becoming a quantum physicist, moving to Canada to combine industry and research - and ultimately seeking opportunities to work with NASA or SpaceX.

His ultimate dream is to go into Space itself.

“I’d like to become a quantum physicist, then go to Canada and work in a mix of industry and research,” he said.

“I’d like to get involved with NASA or SpaceX and hopefully go to space.”

His passion for space science is already evident. As chair of Ripon Grammar School’s astronomy society, Monty led the construction of an autonomous sub-orbital telemetry platform for a national competition.

He has also entered the CanSat European Space Agency competition, helped at a local observatory and even built his own rocket to test whether he could accurately calculate its trajectory.

Reaching Cambridge came while Monty was juggling a demanding range of commitments.

In Year 12, he balanced his progression with the rugby team alongside summer exams and preparation for the Cambridge entrance test.

In Year 13, his responsibilities grew further when he became head boy, while navigating the competitive Cambridge application process.

He was also involved with Ripon Youth Council and other volunteering activities.

Despite the pressure, Monty said the experience had taught him the importance of managing competing demands - a skill that will now go with him to Cambridge, and perhaps one day even into space.